Major Counterfeiting Operation Dismantled in Dartford

The investigation began after Trading Standards officers received intelligence from Sevenoaks District Council about counterfeit goods being sold from a business premises at Oakview Business Park, Horton Kirby, Dartford.

A full enforcement operation followed on 4 December 2023, during which officers from KCC Trading Standards and Kent Police seized a substantial quantity of goods. This included branded clothing, fragrances, cosmetics, and thousands of cigarettes and large quantities of hand-rolling tobacco products.

Expert examination by representatives of the relevant trademark holders confirmed that the items were counterfeit, infringing well-known brands such as Marc Jacobs, Kenzo, Dior, Fendi, Givenchy, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Apple, Chanel, Benson & Hedges, Winston, Mayfair, Amber Leaf, Golden Virginia, L&B, Richmond, JPS, and Marlboro. It is estimated that the loss to legitimate brands would have been in the region of £300,000.

The tobacco products failed to comply with strict UK labelling and health warning regulations, posing further risks to consumers.

The defendant, James Michael Bacon of Carleton Place, Horton Kirby, Dartford, was interviewed under caution but provided no substantive answers. He was charged with multiple offences under the Trade Marks Act 1994 and the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016.

At Woolwich Crown Court, Bacon pleaded guilty. The court ordered the forfeiture and destruction of all counterfeit seized goods and cash. The sentence imposed was nine months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, along with 150 hours of unpaid community work.

Clive Phillips, Operations Manager for Kent County Council Trading Standards, said: “Counterfeiting is not a victimless crime. The sale of fake goods undermines local legitimate businesses, depriving them of income and damaging their reputation. Genuine traders invest in quality, safety, and compliance - counterfeiters do not.

“Counterfeit tobacco products are also a serious threat to public health. Unlike genuine items, they often contain unsafe, unregulated ingredients and fail to meet UK labelling and health warning standards - meaning consumers cannot be sure what they are buying.

“The proceeds from counterfeiting also diverts money away from the local economy, puts honest livelihoods at risk and often puts cash into the pockets of organised criminals and their networks. These groups use the profits to support further illegal activities, from fraud to drug trafficking.

“Trading Standards is committed to working with our enforcement partners using all available tactics to target counterfeiters to protect Kent consumers and legitimate businesses and disrupt the financial lifeline of organised crime."

Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services, Paul Webb, said: “I want to commend the outstanding dedication and professionalism shown by our officers throughout this case.

“Their hard work and commitment to upholding the law have ensured that justice was served and the public interest protected.

"This successful prosecution reflects the high standards we strive for and the vital role our Trading Standards team plays in safeguarding our community”.